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Swap FOMO with JOMO this New Year’s Eve as you bring in 2024 by streaming 5 evergreen classics on OTT
5 films to watch as part of a movie marathon at home on New Year’s Eve 2023
Last Updated: 07.15 PM, Dec 30, 2023
The pressure that we all face this time of the year, when combined, can easily power a spaceship, sending it zooming through the Milky Way. “What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?” is one question that I even heard one elderly man asking another during my morning coffee run at a darshini close by. All non-Bengaluru residents, this is when you Google ‘darshini’. Heck, I was even added to a random WhatsApp group this morning titled ‘Happy New Year’.
FOMO is sooo 2010! Which is why I’m going to welcome 2024 the way I have been doing for years: swapping the LBD for my cosy and comfy PJs, high heels for socks, beach waves for a top knot, grooving on a crowded dancefloor for putting my feet up on my sofa, and stale starters that can barely fill the stomach of a 2-year-old for tubs of popcorn, chips, tikkas and biryani! No stress of worrying about what to wear, not spending a huge chunk of my monthly salary on a single pass to a party and being stuck in traffic to reach said party. Because I am all about JOMO.
Yes, I am one of those who choose to stay home on NYE, and its not because I’m hosting a house party. No, none of that for me, thank you! It will be just me at home, bingeing junk food (because what better day for a cheat day than on New Year's Eve?), dressed as comfortably as humanly possible, while I embark on a movie marathon. And yes, you can be sure that I will swear at all the people who will start bursting firecrackers at midnight, because it will drown out the sounds from my TV.
So, if this seems appealing to you (at least parts of it), then here’s my curated list of 5 films to watch on New Year’s Eve 2023. Because with COVID-19 creeping back into our lives and all the uncertainty that has become a staple of every new year since the last 3 years, nothing is more comforting than the feeling that watching classics gives you.
When Harry Met Sally: Amazon Prime Video
One can never tire of watching this Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan film. No matter how many times you watch this 1989 classic, it never fails to warm the cockles of your heart. The chance encounter, friendship, and love between Harry and Sally are a treat to watch. So, go ahead and treat yourself to this timeless classic this NYE.
Sleepless in Seattle: Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5, Apple TV+
This is another movie that is right up there, along with When Harry Met Sally, when it comes to making you feel all fuzzy inside. The chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in this rom-com is so real and believable, with none of the sexual undercurrent that we’ve grown used to watching. Just pure emotions and unadulterated romance that will have you smiling into 2024.
Ocean's Eleven: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, JioCinema
Although there were many sequels and a spinoff, none of them came close to the brilliance of Ocean’s Eleven. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon together in the same frame is enough to make a film worth watching, but add a plot with several twists and turns and an ensemble cast with some of the best names in Hollywood and you have a masterpiece that is unparalleled. This heist film is packed with quality humour and some top-class performances. Watching Ocean’s Eleven is never a bad idea.
Bridget Jones's Diary: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
Bridget Jones's Diary was released at a time when there were very few representations of single women in the mainstream. And fewer with a female lead who was far from the glossy, perfect heroine. Here was a real woman—chaotic, crude, messy, and funny! No better trio can keep you company as you ring in 2024 than Renée Zellweger as Bridget, and Colin Firth and Hugh Grant as her polar opposite but equally desirable love interests. This is chick flick at its finest.
The Pursuit of Happyness: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, ZEE5
Round up the movie marathon with Will Smith’s The Pursuit of Happyness, because what better way to welcome a new year than with an inspirational tale of hope and standing tall against all odds? You will never root harder for a leading man than you will for Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith). The powerful story, stellar performances and emotional depth will make you smile and cry.